PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts has been cleared from concussion protocol and is set to lead the Eagles as they prepare for their NFC wild-card playoff match against the Green Bay Packers. This comes as the team, who finished the regular season with a record of 14-3, approaches full strength heading into the postseason.
Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni expressed confidence in Hurts’ presence, stating, “You always feel better when Jalen Hurts is on the field.” Hurts has been sidelined since suffering a concussion during a game against Washington on December 22, but his return to practice this week indicates he is ready for action. Over the last two games, back-up quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee took the reins and managed to secure victories, but Hurts previously had steered the team through a commendable 10-game winning streak.
Betting odds reflected Hurts’ return; initially, the Eagles were favored by 4.5 points to win against the Packers, but that line increased to 5.5 points by Friday. The Eagles are also listed among the favorites in the Super Bowl with 7-1 odds, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
There are five distinct stages in the NFL’s concussion protocol, with the final approval requiring confirmation from an independent neurological expert. Hurts, who has never experienced a concussion before, remarked, “I feel great now,” signaling his readiness for competition.
With Hurts back, the Eagles look formidable against the Packers, especially considering quarterback Jordan Love’s lingering soreness in his elbow after sustaining an injury in the regular-season finale. “It’s fun being around the guys. That’s really the main thing there,” Hurts added. “This team, these guys, are a big part of my routine. Just being around them. Taking ball. It’s been a great week.”
The 26-year-old quarterback, who notably played through a broken finger at the end of the season, has accumulated 2,903 passing yards this year, tossing 18 touchdowns against five interceptions. After the Eagles’ bye week in Week 5, Hurts only threw a single interception, while achieving 14 rushing touchdowns, thanks to a play style dubbed the “tush push.” Coach Sirianni emphasized the importance of Huarts’ health during press interactions, saying, “He’s our quarterback, so we always want to be careful with him.”
Further easing concerns about the team’s health, the Eagles announced all receivers were cleared to play ahead of the showdown. Tight end Dallas Goedert made a triumphant return from a knee injury in the last regular-season game, showing his skills once again with four catches for 55 yards. Alongside him, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are both participating, despite recently resting for injury maintenance.
“Any time you can have them all on the field at the same time, it’s a good thing,” Sirianni remarked, expressing excitement about their collective capability. He also addressed worries regarding Hurts’ game rhythm, feeling confident that familiarity from previous seasons will ensure a smooth transition back into full play.
During the season opener against the Packers, Hurts led the Eagles to a competitive 34-29 victory, completing 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards, including two touchdowns and two interceptions. Hurts’ dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner highlights his value to the Eagles, justified by a massive $179.3 million guaranteed contract extension received in 2023, and earning him the status of a runner-up for NFL MVP in 2022.
Reflecting on his injury against Washington, Hurts acknowledged the necessity of the protocol, stating appreciation for the officials’ decision during the incident which ensured his safety. He acknowledged, “I’m thankful that the refs and everyone, they did what they were supposed to do in that time.”
Additionally, the team has a solid backup plan with Saquon Barkley available in the backfield if they need to establish a strong running game.
In Hurts’ absence, Pickett started the first game but had to exit due to an injury. McKee, stepping in, experienced his first live NFL snaps and proved commendable by throwing two touchdown passes. He later started against the Giants, showcasing his potential by throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns, underscoring the value of having reliable backups as they head towards the playoff push.
The Eagles faith in their depth and resilience sets them up for a significant playoff run, fully recognizing the potential for any quarterback to step into high-stakes moments if necessary.